Food NOT Chemo Holds ‘Cure’ For Colon Cancer

When chemo fails, or worse, feeds the cancer, the immense healing power of food may be the only hope left. 

Colon cancer is one of the world’s most prevalent and lethal forms of cancer and is believed to be driven primarily by the Western diet. It has been estimated that one million people around the world are diagnosed with colon cancer, and 500,000 die from it, each year. Conventional treatment approaches continue to do very little to reduce mortality, and this is believed to be due to the presence of a subpopulation of colon tumor cells known as cancer stem cells (CSCs), or tumor-initiating cells (TIC), that are resistant to chemotherapy and therefore contribute to relapse. In fact, chemotherapy not only fails to destroy the cells at the root of colon cancer but may also induce cancer stem cell like properties (stemness) within colon tumor cells that otherwise would not express them, the result of which is to make the post-treatment, surviving colon cancer cells far more malignant.¹ Radiotherapy has also been found to induce stemness in cancers of the breast (up to 30x increased tumorigenicity), indicating that both chemotherapy and radiotherapy — the purported ‘cure’ of conventional cancer care  — may worsen the disease.

Given the bleak situation, interest in cancer stem cell targeting therapies of natural origin has increased dramatically in the past few years. In a new study published in Nutrition titled, “Colon carcinogenesis: influence of Western diet-induced obesity and targeting stem cells using dietary bioactive compounds,” researchers identified the Western lifestyle and diet as a primary driver of colon cancer incidence:

“Accumulating evidence suggests that lifestyle factors are one of the predominant components that modulate susceptibility to colon cancer [12,13]. It is a concerning fact that the highest incidence rates of colon cancer are observed in developed nations, including the United States [14]. Moreover, risk for colon cancer is elevated within one generation in individuals who migrated from developing countries to developed countries. Colon cancer rates are rapidly rising in developing nations and could be due to adoption of several features of the Western lifestyle, as previously reviewed [14]. Diets rich in red and processed meats, refined starches, sugar, and saturated and trans-fatty acids but poor in fruits, vegetables, fiber, u-3 fatty acids, calcium, vitamin D, and whole grains are closely associated with an increased risk for colon cancer. Other main features of the Western lifestyle, such as excess body mass and sedentary behaviors, are also strongly associated with higher risk for developing colon cancer [14–16].”

The researchers emphasized the special role of diet in colon cancer in particular: “Diet contributes to 20% to 42% of all human cancers and 50% to 90% in colon cancer [24].” [emphasis added]

According to the study, the primary biological mechanism by which the Western diet drives colon cancer is through increasing insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) levels, decreasing IGF-binding proteins, which in turn increases bioactive (free) IGF-1 levels. This results in a complex cascade of molecular events consistent with cancer initiation and promotion.

Of course, if the Western diet is the primary driver of colon carcinogenesis, the best preventive approach is to replace it by a diet much higher in organically produced, high vegetable/fiber, high non-oxidized fat (richer in omega 3 and natural saturated fats), and anti-inflammatory ingredients.  But when these modifications either are impossible to implement (think ‘food deserts’) or fail to take hold early enough or after colon tumors and invasive cancer has already taken root, a more targeted and perhaps ‘heroic’ approach is needed but that is not reliant on chemotherapy.

According to the researchers, “The search for a nontoxic chemotherapeutic regimen is fueled by epidemiologic studies that show correlation between plant-based diets and the reduced risk for various cancers [30].” Their study focused on the following natural compounds as potential chemotherapy alternatives:

The study identified these compounds as having potentially potent anti-colon cancer properties due in part to their ability to interfere with elevated IGF-1 levels, as well as ameliorating many Western diet-induced downstream effects, such as inhibiting the cancer stem cell self-renewal pathway known as the Wnt pathway.

The remarkable thing about these phytocompounds is that they are found in commonly consumed food ingredients. Curcumin is the primary polyphenol in the spice root turmeric, which is consumed the world over. Resveratrol is found in many common foods, including grapes, peanuts and chocolate. Lycopene is found in commonly consumed produce items such as watermelon, tomatoes and guava fruit. Grape seed, while not commonly consumed outside supplement form, is found in grapes and is therefore an easily accessible nutraceutical in most places in the world.

A hidden lesson here may be that instead of waiting until after one is diagnosed with a serious health condition such as colon cancer it would make sense to incorporate smaller, culinary doses of these beneficial compounds on a daily basis as a food-as-preventive-medicine approach versus taking heroic ‘drug like’ doses of the compounds later as ‘chemotherapy’ alternatives. While the latter choice should at least be made available to those whose prognosis with chemotherapy or surgery alone looks bleak, it would behoove medical professionals and their patients to take seriously this preliminary research by using non-toxic dietary modifications and/or therapeutic concentrations of these bioactive food ingredients early on as a preventive medicine strategy.

To learn more about how food-based medicine may help to overcome cancer stem cells, you can read the following articles:

​To learn more about the causes and natural/integrative solutions for colon cancer take a look at our extensive database section on the topic: Colon Cancer Research.

​References

¹ Touil Y, Igoudjil W, Corvaisier M, Dessein AF, Vandomme J, Monté D, Stechly L, Skrypek N, Langlois C, Grard G, Millet G, Leteurtre E, Dumont P, Truant S, Pruvot FR, Hebbar M, Fan F, Ellis LM, Formstecher P, Van Seuningen I, Gespach C, Polakowska R, Huet G. Colon cancer cells escape 5FU chemotherapy-induced cell death by entering stemness and quiescence associated with the c-Yes/YAP axis. Clin Cancer Res. 2014 Feb 15;20(4):837-46. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-13-1854. Epub 2013 Dec 9. PubMed PMID: 24323901.

© August 15, 2017 GreenMedInfo LLC. This work is reproduced and distributed with the permission of GreenMedInfo LLC. Want to learn more from GreenMedInfo? Sign up for the newsletter here http://www.greenmedinfo.com/greenmed/newsletter.

7 Ways To Reduce Your Risk Of Colon Cancer

Since the mid-80s, the rate of colon cancer has been slowly declining at the rate of about 1 percent per year, but it seems we always have bad news mixed in somewhere. Traditionally thought of as a disease affecting the over 50s, one study paints a gloomy picture. Not only is there a sharply increasing rate in patients under 50, but also advanced stages of the cancer are being developed. ^[1]

7 Ways to Reduce Your Colon Cancer Risk

Colon cancer is a sneaky, deadly disease, but there is hope. Did you know that science has determined key lifestyle actions that you can take to protect you and the ones you love? While a cancer screening is certainly an option, here are 7 things that might help you reduce your risk for colon cancer.

1. Quitting Smoking

There are many reasons for you to quit smoking right now, but one of the most important might be cutting your risk for colon cancer. For the first time, the latest research from the Surgeon General comments the two are “causally linked,” also recognizing diabetes, liver cancer, and other diseases as potential dangers. ^[2] While smoking and health risks are known, this new development is a sinister one: even the director of the CDC comments “after 50 years, we’re still finding new ways […] smoking maims and kills people.”

2. Getting Up

We sit down to work, to eat, to watch TV—the list goes on. Our culture of sitting is nothing new, but it could be hurting us. Another study suggested prolonged sitting could be responsible for over 40,000 colon cancer cases each year; but, before you get rid of your chairs, know it’s long bouts of sitting that is the problem. Things as simple as short walks could be the solution. ^[3][4]

3. Maintaining a Healthy Weight

There’s also evidence suggesting that getting rid of that extra weight around your middle might reduce your risk—especially if you’re over a certain age. A European study followed 120,000 overweight or obese adults ages 55 to 69 for a period of 16 years, finding the diagnosis of colon cancer was 25 percent higher than that in their thinner counterparts. Interestingly, women were able to further reduce their risk through regular exercise of at least 30 minutes per day. ^[5]

4. Cutting Red Meat from Your Diet

With many studies suggesting eating red meat—especially processed products—could raise your risk of colon cancer, what better time to try something new? ^[6][7] No one’s really sure what about the meat increases your risk. One theory poses preservatives in processed meats are converted into nitrates. While nitrates are present in many foods, too many can be toxic to the body.

5. Cutting Your Sugar Intake

It’s not just about eating red meat; diets high in sugar are also a concern. As many countries push toward diets heavy in refined sugars and high fructose corn syrup, colon cancer cases have also increased. Studies have long since commented on a potential link, but the latest leads scientists to believe sugar-heavy diets influence the health of gut bacteria, something which can cause a myriad of health issues. ^[8]

6. Avoiding Antibiotics

Some antibiotics can also change your gut bacteria, leading to a less-than-favorable outcome for your health. Similar to a sugar-heavy diet, antibiotics may increase your risk for colon cancer. In a UK study that examined over 20,000 medical records of cancer patients in relation to those of 86,000 healthy patients, those who were prescribed penicillin, quinolones, and metronidazole were about 10 percent more likely to develop colon cancer. ^[9] While more research is needed, these findings do start to suggest a bigger picture.

 7. Get Enough Vitamin D

The latest research also suggests vitamin D levels correspond to your risk factor for colon cancer. ^[10] Found in many foods and from sun exposure, the vitamin can also potentially reduce your chances of developing other internal cancers. Sure, there are plenty of ways to get the vitamin D you need, but going outside—with responsible sun protection, of course–is your best bet. While the amount needed is still under debate, one magic range seems to be a daily intake of 1,000-2,000 IU.

One Final Thought

While these tips are not the cure all, they may help reduce your risk. There’s some who would argue that a cancer diagnosis is something pre-determined in your DNA, or the product of a random mutation; but, knowing that there are little things you can do to potentially reduce your risk gives you power over your genes. ^[11] It’s definitely something to consider in your day-to-day life.

What do you think? Do you know of other ways to reduce your risk for colon cancer? Share a comment below.

References:

1. Bailey, C, et al. Increasing Disparities in the Age-Related Incidences of Colon and Rectal Cancers in the United States, 1975-2010. JAMA Surgery. 150 (1).


2. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking—50 Years of Progress. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.


3. Rettner, R. Prolonged Sitting Linked to Breast and Colon Cancers. Scientific American.


4. Meyerhardt, J. Physical Activity and Survival After Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 24 (22).


5. Hughes, L. et al. Body Size and Colorectal Cancer Risk After 16.3 Years of Follow-up: An Analysis From the Netherlands Cohort Study. American Journal of Epidemiology. 174 (10).


6. Chao. A. et al. Meat consumption and risk of colorectal cancer. JAMA. 293 (2).


7. Norat, T. et al. Meat, fish, and colorectal cancer risk: the European Prospective Investigation into cancer and nutrition. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 97 (12).


8. Martin, A. et al. Gut Microbial Metabolism Drives Transformation of Msh2-Deficient Colon Epithelial Cells. Cell. 158 (2).


9. Boursi, S. et al. Impact of antibiotic exposure on the risk of colorectal cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology.


10. Gorhum, E. et al. The Role of Vitamin D in Cancer Prevention. American Journal of Public Health. 96 (2).


11. Vogelstein, B. & Tomasetti, C. Variation in cancer risk among tissues can be explained by the number of stem cell divisions. Science. 347 (6217).

Why Are Cancer Cases in Children on the Rise in the U.K.?

Over the past 16 years, the number of children diagnosed with cancer in the U.K. has shot up 40%, a new study shows; and experts are warning of a cancer “epidemic.”

The reason? Modern life is making people sick.

The study comes from researchers at Bristol University in the U.K., where many children spend less time outdoors than U.S. prison inmates, opting instead to stay inside and play video games or use tablets and smartphones.

Dr. Denis Henshaw, Professor of Human Radiation Effects at Bristol University, said:

“When you look at cancers such as childhood leukemia there is no doubt that environmental factors are playing a big role. We were shocked to see the figures, and it’s modern lifestyle I’m afraid.”

The Numbers

In the United Kingdom, over 4,000 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer each year. In children aged1 to 14, cancer is the leading cause of death. [1]

The 40% increase in cases is due, in part, to population growth. The incidence rate per 100,000 people has risen by 30%. [2]

The increase in cancer diagnoses among children and young people since 1998 is alarming. The number of thyroid cases has doubled; and diagnoses of other cancers have likewise increased – colon cancer, 200%; ovarian cancer, 70%; and cervical cancer, 50%. [1]

Alasdair Philips, trustee and science adviser to the charity Children with Cancer U.K., said:

“We are losing the battle against childhood cancer.

It is so many lives lost, so many futures unfulfilled, so many devastated families – families debilitated, parents forced to give up work, live in hospital, young siblings stressed. At times I feel overwhelmed.

It is an epidemic. Up to age 14 we do see much better five-year survival rates, but with most types of cancer 50 per cent of children will die within several years. More children are dying.

Quite often cancer can leave survivors with impacted fertility and mental ability because of the caustic nature of treatment. And there is a significantly higher risk of developing an adult cancer in their forties or fifties.” [3]

The Face of the Enemy

The very things that have made the 21st Century such a convenient and innovative period of history are sickening children and prematurely ending their lives.

As The Telegraph reports, the experts behind the research blame many factors of modern life:

“Among these are obesity, pesticides and solvents inhaled during pregnancy, circadian rhythm disruption through too much bright light at night, radiation from x-rays and CT scans, smoking during and after pregnancy, magnetic fields from power lines, gadgets in homes, and potentially, radiation from mobile phones.” [1]

Read: Obesity Sparks 500,000 Cancer Cases Annually

Philips said he believes that 7 out of 10 cancer cases in children and young people could be due to lifestyle, adding:

“Scientists have found 287 man-made chemicals in an examination of fetus cord blood. They are not all carcinogenic of course, but some are and many have not been tested. Only about five% of cancers are caused by hereditary factors. We must push for this message to be more available at doctors, in schools.”

Henshaw said:

“Many items on the list of environmental causes are now known to be carcinogenic, such as air pollution and pesticides and solvents. There has been good research to suggest a mother’s diet can damage DNA in cord blood. Light at night we know is very disruptive for the body, which is why shift workers have such bad health.

Burnt barbecues, the electric fields of power lines, the electricity supply in your home. Hairdryers. It’s all of these things coming together, and it seems to be teenagers and young people that are most affected.

What’s worrying is it is very hard to avoid a lot of these things. How can you avoid air pollution? It sometimes feels like we are fighting a losing battle.”

How to Turn the Tide

Simple changes such as letting children attend preschool to boost their immune system, not painting children’s rooms with oil-based paints, and avoiding processed meats during pregnancy could have a positive and lasting impact on the number of youngsters who get a devastating diagnosis. [1]

The researchers also recommended that adults avoid shift work, but people don’t always have a choice in the hours they work.

People can also turn to natural cleaners on the market, or create their own.

Read: How to Clean the Whole House with 6 Inexpensive Items and NO Nasty Chemicals

Nicola Smith, Cancer Research U.K.’s senior health information officer, said:

“Evidence has shown that there are lots of things adults can do to reduce cancer risk and it’s always a good idea to set up healthy habits as a family, like eating healthily, being active and enjoying the sun safely.”

Sources:

[1] The Telegraph

[2] Daily Mail

[3] Mirror

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About Julie Fidler:
	Julie Fidler is a freelance writer, legal blogger, and the author of Adventures in Holy Matrimony: For Better or the Absolute Worst. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two ridiculously spoiled cats. She occasionally pontificates on her blog.